Congress moves Election Commission over Amit Shah’s ‘revenge’ remark

New Delhi/Bijnore: The Congress on Saturday moved the Election Commission of India seeking action against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary Amit Shah for ‘creating animosity’ between communities in riot-hit Muzaffarnagar.

In its complaint to the Election Commission, the Congress has demanded registration of criminal case against Shah and a complete ban on his further campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls.

Shah, who is a close aid of BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, came under sharp criticism from several political parties including Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which accused him of vitiating the atmosphere in the region that witnessed one of the worst communal riots in September last year.

The Congress said Shah has committed "an offence under Section 125 of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951 and it calls for immediate registration of FIR and his arrest along with other BJP workers for their common intention to commit this offence”.

"In addition, since it is also a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, immediate action may also be taken against BJP, Amit Shah and Narendra Modi for violation of the code," AICC spokesman Randeep Surjewala said.

The BJP, however, downplayed Shah’s remark and said that it is being misinterpreted.

“Amit Shah’s comment reflects the mood of the nation,” said a BJP leader.

BJP spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi echoed similar sentiments as Shah and lashed out at Akhlesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh.

"UP government has insulted the people there. It is not a question of Hindus and Muslims. Those who went there for secular tourism, they have insulted the people. Instead of putting balm on the wounds of the victims, they sprinkled salt. Revenge should be taken for this insult," Naqvi said.

Shah, who is the BJP’s Uttar Pradesh in-charge, had during his speech appealed to the electorate to take revenge by voting in favour of his party candidates.

Addressing a rally near Muzaffarnagar, Shah reportedly said, “If you want to take revenge you should vote for the BJP. You can no longer resolve a matter with swords and arrows. Today you can take revenge by voting for the BJP.”

“Justice is not being done to the people... Press the right button to show them their right place,” he added.

Shah’s remark came just days after the Opposition accused Congress president Sonia Gandhi of spreading the poison of communalism following her meeting with Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari.